Maestro-Master Performer in its Own... Review on Hero HX250R

Hiiiii Friends,

I am back again with one more auto review.

This time I am penning on my experience with one of the best selling automatic scooter of the country, the HERO MAESTRO.

Launched in 2011, this product was essentially targeted toward the MALE section of buyers who were then content with buying the ever green Honda Activa.

Although technically this MAESTRO uses the  same 110 cc Honda heart of Activa which makes it a HERO. But its Honda heart is tweaked by hero to make it more suited to indian conditions and improved fuel economy.

Now coming to my experience with this machine.

Last year I had purchased this machine for my father who used to be habitual with his rd175 n rx100 of 80s but as both these two stroker legends did not have self-start and also lack of trained mechanic to handle their two stroke engines prompted me to let him opt for new machine, which can be easy to operate as well as reliable too.

Like numerous indian guys I too zeroed on ACTIVA but such is its evergreen presence on roads that I changed my mind looking for other options, just to be different.

Apart from ACTIVA  it were WEGO or SUZUKI SWISS which caught my attention. But keeping in view the low service base of Suzuki in my area, I dropped the idea of SWISS.

WEGO was a good option, but after trying WEGO, my friends I found its LEGROOM is some what below my expectation.

Then came the MAESTRO .

Although it has the same tried and tested Honda heart, its styling was different .

It was Masculine.

It was Bolder.

It was broader.

So finally opted the maestro despite the fact that it did not have telescopic front shockers and disc brakes like WEGO and AVIATOR.

Now coming to my experience with this machine.

Starting of this machine needs a little attention especially in winters & the first start should be essentially a kick start. It is of less concern in normal days barring winters.

now once after you start the engine you will feel the surge in you to rotate  the throttle to its fullest. Although being a city performer and work horse, it will not disappoint you with its engine response being 109 cc bull is smooth up to 70 kmph after that vibration is certainly an issue, but keeping a note that its a city machine meant just for going from point A to point B, I m content with this aspect.

Now after engine response coming to styling aspect.

When its comes to styling, I always had a soft corner for BAJAJ and TVS for their distinct styling. But this time HERO has come up with some innovative features.

The very first distinct edge of MAESTRO is its digital-analogue meter, which is not commonly found in indian scooters in its category (although Mahindra had it in some models, but that too is the 125 cc category)

This meter console not only gives maestro a distinct edge, but also adds to its styling quotient.

The other distinct edge of maestro is its wider looking body which compliments male more than ACTIVA which is some what slimmer in look. Even it certainly gets an appreciative look by fellow bikers.

If not the best looking, it is certainly one of the most good looking scooters available currently in india.

Use of combined brakes (this feature it shares with honda scooters) had reduced the stopping distance as both the frontal and rear brakes are applied together while just applying the left brake lever. it is really a great thing while driving in city .

Comfortable ERGONOMICS and SEATING POSITION ensures that long drives can be less tiresome. Although lack of telescopic suspension is a thing of debate as telescopic suspensions are more suitable for our indian potholes (I really expect hero to upgrade newer maestros with telescopic shoxxx)

Handlebars are aptly placed, so as to give more confidence on high speeds as well as while turning .

After all these aspects, how can I forget to mention its real city fuel efficiency? :)

Although HERO guys claims that maestro offers 60 plus in city, but my father experienced 42-47 while driving in city and 50-53 while driving on highways, although fuel efficiency varies on the driving pattern, as I got just 40 kmpl while trying it on the city roads. So I think at most it can give 50-52 in real city riding conditions.

My views on it, before ending.

I think maestro is indeed a more upgraded ACTIVA with added features and complimentary styling so the buyers who are on the lookout of getting reliable performer without compromising on quality and performance can surely try out the new maestro. Even its tag philosophy with such a boyish thing, aptly suits its brand positioning and brand image targeted toward male buyers. I appreciate hero's effort to distinguish it from its other offering hero Pleasure which is aimed at female buyers with sleek design philosophy.

Overall its indeed a great buy but it is little bit priced higher with no telescopic suspensions also

external fuel fill cap is a great thing of ease nowadays as it is  somewhat awkward to open the seat and then fill the fuel when accompanied by some pillion rider. Hero should introduce external fuel filler caps just like TVS WEGO or Jupiters.

Service centers are always an edge for hero, so getting it serviced is not an issue.

overall a good option among current lot of scooters.

feel free to comment n share ur experience.

-Ravi